What is a GDPR data request and why is it important for online gamers?
The GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation) gives you the right to know what personal data a company has stored about you. In the case of online gambling, this also includes information about your gaming activities, stakes, winnings, and losses. This information is important to prove the extent of your gambling losses.
How do I request GDPR information from an online casino?
Submit a written request via email to the provider’s customer service. Explicitly refer to your right of access under Article 15 of the GDPR. Request detailed information about all your gaming activities, deposits and withdrawals, and your overall gaming losses. The request should include your personal data so that the provider can clearly identify you.
Within what timeframe must the supplier respond?
The online gambling provider must provide you with the requested information in accordance with the GDPR within 30 days. In exceptional cases, this period can be extended to a maximum of 90 days, in which case the provider must inform you of the reasons for the delay.
Problems with GDPR information
What should I do if I don’t receive any information about my gambling losses?
If the provider refuses to provide information or lets the 30-day deadline expire, you should proceed systematically:
- Contact the gambling supervisory authority : Inform the responsible Joint Gambling Authority of the Federal States (GGL) that the provider is refusing to provide you with the requested GDPR information despite the deadline having passed. You can reach the GGL at: sportwetten@gluecksspiel-behoerde.de
- Final reminder with deadline : Inform the online casino that you have reported the matter to the GGL (German Association for the Protection of Intellectual Property) and intend to pursue your claims through a multi-stage legal action. Set a further deadline of 10 days for them to provide the requested information.
- Taking legal action : If this deadline also passes without result, you can enforce your claims for information and repayment in court as part of a multi-stage lawsuit.
What is a multi-stage lawsuit and how does it help me if I’m missing GDPR information?
A multi-stage lawsuit is a special type of legal action that is particularly effective when an online gambling provider refuses to disclose information about gambling losses. It consists of two consecutive stages:
- First stage : Enforcement of your right to information about the amount of your losses suffered
- Second stage : Recovery of the claims arising from the information
The advantage: You don’t have to file two separate lawsuits, but can assert both claims in a single procedure.
What are my chances of success in a multi-stage lawsuit against an online gambling provider?
The chances of success are good in many cases, especially if the provider violated regulatory provisions or operated during a period when online gambling was prohibited or restricted in Germany. In a successful case, the provider must not only reimburse your gambling losses but also pay the incurred legal and court fees, as well as interest.
Legal options for affected players
What rights do players have in cases of illegal online gambling?
Affected players may be entitled to a full refund of their gambling losses if:
- The online casino operated without a valid German license.
- Gambling was prohibited in Germany at the time of use.
- The provider has violated essential player protection regulations (e.g., the monthly deposit limit).
- A self-exclusion was disregarded.
Do I need a specialized Lawyer for my claims against online casinos?
Enforcing claims against online gambling providers is legally complex and involves various areas of law (gambling law, data protection law, civil law). A specialized lawyer can better assess your chances of success and has experience with similar cases. Professional legal support is particularly recommended when pursuing a multi-stage lawsuit.
How much will it cost me to pursue my claims legally?
The costs depend on the amount in dispute (the size of your losses). If the lawsuit is successful, the losing party bears all costs.
Preventive measures and support services
How can I gamble responsibly online?
Only play with licensed providers holding German gambling licenses. Set personal limits for time and stakes. Carefully document your gambling activities. Utilize the self-exclusion options offered by the providers and inform yourself about self-help resources for problematic gambling behavior.
Where can I find help for gambling addiction?
The Federal Centre for Health Education (BZgA) offers anonymous counseling via its free hotline 0800 1372700. Local addiction counseling centers and the German Centre for Addiction Issues (DHS) can also provide support. Online self-help groups and forums for those affected are also available.
What preventative measures must a legal online casino offer?
Legal providers must have a comprehensive player protection concept that includes, among other things, the following elements: deposit limits, self-exclusion options, breaks from playing, warnings about the dangers of addiction, self-tests for gambling addiction risk and no playing on credit.
This FAQ section is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For individual advice regarding your specific case, please consult a specialized lawyer.
